Tuesday, April 18, 2017

If you are familiar
with veteran UK band Sad Lovers &
Giants, then I am confident that you are already a fan. For those who have
yet to experience SL&G, then pay close attention – they are soon to become your
favorite new/old band. On May 5, 2017, the always-amazing Cherry Red label will be releasing WHERE THE LIGHT SHINES THROUGH: THE
BIGGER PICTURE 1981-2017, a five CD set that is a must-have if you are
a fan of SL&G and ‘80s Post-Punk and New Wave music in general. The band’s
legacy is celebrated in this set which contains pretty much all the tracks from their
albums EPIC GARDEN MUSIC (1982), FEEDING THE FLAME (1983), THE
MIRROR TEST (1987), HEADLAND (1990),
TREEHOUSE POETRY (1991) and MELTING IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME
(2002) plus singles, EP tracks, radio sessions and rarities. A
stunning set to say the least.

For those of us
who have followed SL&G on their long journey – 37 years and counting! – this expansive
overview of their career is long overdue. Not a band to easily place into one
particular genre, SL&G has created their own musical tapestry that incorporates
Post-Punk, New Wave, Art Rock, Goth, Pop, Rock and Experimental Rock into one
cohesive but ever-evolving audio template. SL&G is not a band that plays music
to just listen to - you ‘experience’ every haunting, melodic note that floats
out of the speakers and wraps around your senses. Their atmospheric and
slightly cold sound is never bleak or without hope. They swim in darkness but
there are beautiful moments that shine down and light your way to the surface.
Some people focus on the band’s darker side – however, they often cast more
shade than shadow. This is the music that you long for when you are caught
somewhere between sleep and reality. It is sad and fabulous. If ‘sadulous’ was
a word, then these chaps would own the copyright.

And sadly, they've been overlooked by the masses. Isn't that always the way? However, those that follow them absolutely adore them. I've never met a SL&G fan that wasn't 100% passionate about the band...

Fronted by vocalist Garce (Simon Allard), SL&G may not have been prolific
but they sure made their releases count. I suppose that splitting up and getting back
together several times may explain some of that. Though Garce was the only
constant member through various incarnations of the band, he always seemed to
surround himself with like-minded musicians who understood the music but were
not afraid to add something new to the mix. Their sound evolved over time but
they still occupied the same musical universe, often looking back while moving
forward - and looking forward by adding new colors to their audio landscapes. Their
later recordings were more lush than their earlier releases but that doesn’t
mean that and earlier track “Imagination” is any less beautiful than later gems
like “Toy Planes (In A Southern Sky)”.

And how can you not love a band that
featured (in their early years) a guitarist named Tristan Garel-Funk (later of
The Snake Corps)? Classic name, great guitarist.

So, how would I describe their sound? Imagine this: FAITH-era Cure recording for Factory Records
(with Martin Hannett producing), A Flock Of Seagulls’ Paul Reynolds
adding some echo-laden swashes of guitar, a touch of Japan’s romanticism and New
Order’sBernard Sumner quietly strumming
along in the background. Take all of that and layer it with atmospheric
keyboards that are felt even before they are heard. While this seems like a pretty good
description of their earlier recordings, it still doesn’t do the band
justice. Especially since Garce doesn’t
whine like Robert Smith (The Cure). However, if that sounds
intriguing, then perhaps it is time to experience Sad Lovers & Giants for
the first time. Or the second. Or the 100th. While some of the recordings may sound dated,
the SL&G experience is a timeless one.
March on down to your local shop and order this today! It is
never too late to make them superstars, you know.